The Minority Caucus on Employment, Labour Relations and Pensions in Parliament has strongly criticised the government’s decision to increase public sector workers’ salaries by 9% in 2027 and 10% in 2028, describing the agreement as unfair and inadequate amid rising living costs.
In a statement, the Minority argued that the two-year salary agreement, signed on October 28, 2026, does not adequately reflect the economic difficulties facing Ghanaian workers, particularly the rising cost of electricity, water, transportation, cooking gas, food and other essential services.
Under the agreement, public sector employees will receive an 8% increase in base pay and a 1% adjustment in conditions of service in 2027. The remuneration package will increase by 10% in 2028.
The caucus maintained that the proposed salary adjustments would do little to improve workers’ purchasing power, especially as household expenses continue to rise.
It cited increases in public transport fares, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices and mobile data charges as examples of the financial pressures confronting teachers, nurses, civil servants and other public sector employees.
The Minority also questioned the role of Organised Labour in the negotiations, expressing disappointment that union leaders had accepted the two-year agreement despite previously promising to push for a better salary increase for workers.
It urged organised labour members to demand explanations from their leaders regarding the negotiations and the concessions made before signing the agreement.
Among its key demands, the Minority is calling for the immediate reconvening of the Public Services Joint Standing Negotiating Committee (PSJSNC) to negotiate a fair living wage that reflects the actual cost of living and rising utility tariffs.
It has also urged Organised Labour to publish its proposals and explain why it accepted the 9% salary adjustment for 2027.
Additionally, the caucus called on the Mahama administration to stop using the transition from the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to the proposed Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC) as a reason to impose what it considers inadequate salary increases.
The Minority reaffirmed its support for Ghanaian workers, insisting that public sector employees deserve fair wages, improved working conditions and a meaningful share of the country’s economic growth.
Source: newsthemegh.com